Commercial Roofing: The Importance of Drainage Systems

The longevity and functionality of commercial roofing systems depend heavily on efficient roof drainage. Even the strongest roof may sustain water damage when drainage is inadequate, necessitating expensive repairs and weakened structural integrity.

At Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding in Alpha, NJ, we specialize in commercial roofs and help business owners implement and maintain top-tier drainage systems. Let’s look at common drainage issues and maintenance tips for drainage systems and give you the information you need to protect your property, ensuring your roof remains in excellent condition for years.

What Is a Roof Drainage System?

An essential part of a building’s roofing structure, a roof drainage system’s purpose is to control and channel precipitation, including rain, away from the roof and building foundation. A roof drainage system’s main goal is to stop water from building up on the roof, which can cause leaks, structural damage, and deterioration of the roofing material, among other problems.

Usually, the system consists of a few essential parts. The roof features drains that gather water and direct it through pipes. Depending on the design of the roof, these may be internal or external. Water that runs off the roof surface is collected by gutters along the roof’s edge and directed toward vertical pipes, called downspouts, that transport water from the gutters to the ground or a drainage system.

Water can flow straight off the roof surface thanks to outlets, called scuppers, that are integrated into the parapet walls or roof’s edge. Scuppers are especially useful at preventing water buildup on low-sloped roofs. An extra safety measure — overflow drains — manages extra water if the main drainage system is overloaded. By safely diverting any excess water, these systems guard against possible harm to the roof’s structure.

A roof drainage system needs to be maintained regularly to be effective. This entails clearing debris from gutters and drains, checking for damage, and quickly clearing obstructions. A properly planned and maintained roof drainage system is essential to preserve a building’s structural integrity and increase the life of its roofing materials.

Types of Commercial Roof Drainage Systems and Their Functions

There are commercial roof drainage systems that are made to handle water runoff from the roof effectively and keep the building structure from being damaged.

Many commercial roofs, especially flat or low-slope roofs, have internal drains. These drains are built into the surface of the roof and send water to the building’s plumbing system through a network of pipes. Internal drains work well to keep water from building up, but they need to be maintained regularly to keep them clear and make sure they flow properly.

Gutters and downspouts are examples of external drains, which are on the roof’s surface. Along the edges of the roof, gutters are put up to collect water that runs off. The water is then sent to the ground or a drainage system through downspouts. External drains are easy to see and get to, making them easier to check and clean, which keeps them working well.

Scuppers are built into the edge or parapet walls of the roof so that water can drain off the roof directly. Scuppers are especially helpful for roofs with low slopes or places where internal drainage might not work as well. These systems are made to handle large amounts of water and are often used with other drainage systems.

Overflow drains are additional systems that manage excess water when the main drainage system is full. They protect the roof from water pooling and possible damage by acting as a backup. Overflow drains are necessary to handle heavy rain or sudden downpours.

Different types of drainage systems have their own benefits, and the roof’s shape, slope, and local weather will all play a role in deciding which drainage system will serve you most effectively.

Common Drainage Problems in Commercial Roofing

If you don’t immediately fix common drainage issues in commercial roofing, they can cause much damage. One problem that comes up a lot is drains and gutters that become obstructed. Leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris can get stuck in these drainage systems and stop the water from moving. The extra weight of water on the roof makes it more likely that there will be leaks and damage to the structure.

Another common issue is bad drainage design. Water will not flow off of a roof properly if the drainage system is not designed correctly or is not big enough to handle the amount of water that needs to go through it. This can cause water to build up, which puts extra stress on the roof and can cause it to wear out faster than it should.

Damage to the roof membrane is another big problem. The roof membrane is critical for getting water to the drainage system. If this membrane gets damaged in any way, like having cracks or holes in it, water can get inside. This can damage more than just the roof; it can also hurt the inside of the building.

In colder places, ice dams are a common problem with water drainage. When snow on the roof melts and then freezes again at the edge, it forms a barrier that stops water from draining properly. This can make water pool under the roof, which can lead to leaks and a lot of damage from water.

Clogged overflow drains can also lead to drainage issues. Overflow drains eliminate excess water when the main drainage system gets too full. But if these drains are clogged or not working right, water can build up on the roof and increase the risk of damage.

To keep a commercial roofing system in good shape and avoid expensive damage, address these common drainage issues through regular maintenance and repairs when they occur.

Financial Effects of Poor Drainage on Commercial Roofs

When commercial roofs don’t drain properly, it can cost a lot of money. Water builds up on the roof, which can damage the structure, cause leaks, and wear down the materials. Fixing these problems is expensive, requiring you to fix leaks, replace damaged materials, and address deeper structural problems.

Poor drainage can also damage a building’s insulation, which can cause energy costs to rise as heating and cooling systems work harder to keep the inside of the building at a comfortable temperature. Over time, having to pay for more maintenance and repairs more often can strain budgets. Bad drainage can also lower a property’s value and increase insurance rates because of the higher risk of damage. This makes it an expensive problem for commercial property owners.

Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Roof Drainage System

Taking care of your commercial roof’s drainage system is essential to prevent water damage and make the roof last longer. Regular inspections should be prioritized because they let you find problems like blockages, leaks, or damage before they get worse. Regularly clean out your gutters, drains, and downspouts so that leaves and dirt don’t block the water flow.

In colder climates, ensuring enough insulation and airflow can help keep drainage working well during the winter by stopping ice dams. Also, having professional maintenance done once a year can give the drainage system a full checkup, making sure that all of its parts are working correctly and fixing any problems that are found early on. Regular maintenance keeps your roof safe, helps avoid expensive repairs, and makes the roofing system last longer.

Contact Us Today

Effective roof drainage must be maintained for commercial roofing systems to last a long time and function well. Without it, even the strongest roof may sustain substantial water damage, necessitating expensive repairs and possibly even structural problems. By emphasizing regular maintenance and a well-designed drainage system, businesses can safeguard their investment and guarantee that their roofs are weather-resistant.

Contact Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding today to learn more about our commercial roof drainage systems and our roofing work with businesses. We also provide storm damage repair, custom roof system design, siding, and gutter services.